Who are those Environmentalists?

While the aims of different types of environmental groups might appear similar, vast differences exist in their goals, understandings of the issues, tactics and methods of operation.  The following is the beginning of a classification with a partial listing of some of the better known groups.  Many groups differ widely even within each category.

1) Spiritual, deep ecology, new age groups

The story of the universe is the context for all action.   Deep ecology promotes a spiritual vision of the unity of all life.   Groups in this category tend to focus on a spiritual vision of unity, personal change and often have little direct, political or social action seeking to change existing institutions.

2) Large national and international groups

a) groups with a national or international focus, often DC, NYC or California based, that include lobbying, research and other forms of activism usually around particular issues – Friends of the Earth, Earth Island Institute, National Wildlife Federation, World Wildlife Fund, Natural Resources Defense Center, Sierra Club, National Audubon Society, Natural Step, Union of Concerned Scientists–

b) groups that work primarily against business or use direct action – Public Interest Research Group, Greenpeace, Earth First, Rainforest Action Network

c) groups that work primarily with business in specific programs or projects – Environmental Defense

3) Conservation movement

Groups that focus on the conservation of nature usually for human use in addition to wildlife protection -- National Parks and Conservation Association, Trout Unlimited, Nature Conservancy, National Wildlife Habitat Council

4) Those impacted by the environment

Groups directly affected by environmental problems, the victims, or groups working on specific, local problems. -- environmental justice groups, National Coalition Against the Misuse of Pesticides,  Center for Health Environment and Justice, community groups

5) Social justice movement

These are groups working on larger social issues that often have environmental impacts although the focus is not always directly on the environment -- Bread for the World

6) Social investment movement

These are groups that are primarily investors and seek to use their leverage on a wide variety of issues including the environment -- CERES, ICCR

7) Labor unions

Groups concerned primarily about worker health and safety issues – United Farmworkers; AFL-CIO;  Steelworkers; Oil, Chemical and Atomic Workers; Teamsters

8) Green business

Groups interested in moving business toward environmental responsibility and in getting business for those companies – Business for Social Responsibility, NJ Business Alliance for Sustainability, Global Environmental Management Initiative, World Business Council for Sustainable Development, Coop America

9) Greenwash

Groups with a primary identity from the business community that are activists for a business position on environmental issues that is opposed to environmental groups -- Wise Use, Global Climate Coalition, Interfaith Council for Environmental Stewardship

10) Simple living movement

Groups that are interested in personal lifestyle change as a response to the consumerism of society—The Simple Living Network, Northwest Earth Institute, The New Roadmap Foundation

11) Sustainability groups

Groups working to build a sustainable society.  Issues are environmental as well as social and economic--Global Action Plan

12) Research organizations

Institutions with a primary focus on research on key environmental issues --Worldwatch Institute, World Resources Institute, Environmental Working Group, Environmental Justice Resource Center

 13) Faith based groups

Groups finding primary identity with traditional religious groups -- NCC EcoJustice Working Group, Coalition on Jewish Life and the Environment, The North American Coalition for Christianity and Ecology

 June 29, 2001